Deadline Looms for Contractor Regulation

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- While confusion remains about the EPA's Lead Paint Renovator regulation (also known as the RRP), one thing is certain, the extended deadline for all contractors to be certified is set to close in December. It is also certain that fines of up to $37,500.00 will be levied by the EPA afterward.

The federal law was designed to protect children and adults from lead poisoning from its most frequent source; lead paint. Lead based paint and finishes were outlawed in 1978, but homes built prior to that date are covered by the law. The regulation requires contractors working in pre 1978 homes to be certified, to test for lead based paint, and to employ lead-safe practices when it is encountered.

Contractors not certified or found to be violating the regulations are subject to $37,500.00 fines for each offense, and some areas have already seen fines levied as a result of the law.

But being caught by the EPA is only the beginning…

"Beyond the enforcement aspect, training is now often being required as a prerequisite of insurance for effected trades," says James Weltz of Criterion Laboratories, a lead testing facility and certified training provider. "And that points to the other concern, which is basically, where there is regulation, there will be litigation. When safe practices are established but not followed, people, in this case often children, will be adversely effected, and that's what this law seeks to avoid."

Initially, the deadline for being trained and certified was April 22nd of this year. Due to the limited availability of classes and initially poor awareness campaign, the Senate moved to extend the deadline. Now, certification classes are to be enrolled by September 24, 2010 for classes to certify no later than the end of December. The goal of the extension was to allow enough time for an orderly training of all effected trades.

"I'm not sure if it's an issue of putting it off until the last minute of wishful thinking that the law will never go into effect, but its safe to say that training given has not scratched the surface of the population who need it," says Eric Wysocki, a trainer for the course. "Waiting to see the first round of fines or the first competitor to be wiped out by a lawsuit is just crazy, training is one day, and it can be a real selling point to consumers. After the lead in toys awareness, a lot of parents are happy to choose a certified renovator if its better for their kids."

SOURCE Criterion Laboratories

Click here to learn more!